The Philadelphia 76ers are ready to take on the Boston Celtics for a spot in the NBA Finals.
With the additions of Paul George, Caleb Martin and Jared McCain, their confidence has never been higher, and while the outcome will depend heavily on the health of Joel Embiid, the threat is there.
Sixers team president Daryl Morey had a bold message for the reigning champions.
“We're in that exact discussion with a very few teams,” Morey said on 97.5 The Fanatic. “Obviously, you have to give credit to the Celtics. They won a title. They're the target. We're going to come and take the title away from them.”
“We're going to come and take the title away from them (the Celtics).”
– When Daryl Morey joined the company @975 Middays Earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/0Cj8D0xyx1
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) July 25, 2024
The bad news for Philadelphia is that the Celtics kept all of their players, including new contracts for Derrick White and Sam Hauser. White and Jrue Holiday are the most feared defensive backcourt in the league and have been selected to the All-Defensive Team multiple times. The 66ers have deep guards, so wearing down Boston's duo will be their best strategy in the seven-game series.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia has the best player on the court in Embiid, who averaged 34.7 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 54.7 percent from the field last season but played in just 39 games. The problem is, the superstar big man can only be in the discussion for the best player in the NBA if he stays healthy.
George's signing should ease the strain on Embiid's shoulders during the regular season and set him up for more playoff success. While the former Los Angeles Clippers player isn't an “iron man” like star Mikal Bridges, his presence can only be a positive for Embiid's health.
